A client who recently lost their spouse to a terminal illness expresses, "I just can't go on without them. Life feels meaningless now." Which statement by the nurse would be appropriate in this situation?

"You shouldn't feel that way. There are many people who care about you.".

"I understand how you feel. Grief can be overwhelming.".

"You need to stay strong for your children.".

"Try not to think about it too much. Time heals all wounds.".

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Telling the client that they shouldn't feel a certain way and suggesting that others care about them minimizes their emotions and can be invalidating. It's essential to acknowledge the client's feelings without dismissing them.

Choice B rationale:

Expressing understanding and acknowledging the overwhelming nature of grief is appropriate and empathetic. This response validates the client's emotions and creates a safe space for them to express their feelings.

Choice C rationale:

While the intention behind encouraging the client to stay strong for their children might be positive, it oversimplifies the complexity of grief and emotional responses. Grief is a personal experience, and implying that they should suppress their emotions for the sake of others is not ideal.

Choice D rationale:

Suggesting that the client avoid thinking about their loss or that time will heal their wounds can invalidate their current emotional state. Grief doesn't always follow a linear path, and minimizing the impact of the loss can hinder the client's healing process.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The nursing diagnosis "Impaired coping" signifies that the client is experiencing difficulty in dealing with stressors and challenges. While it's true that impaired coping can contribute to various negative outcomes, the most critical concern when dealing with a client diagnosed with impaired coping and suicidal ideation is the risk of self-inflicted harm, which aligns with choice A. Clients with impaired coping and suicidal ideation are at a heightened risk for engaging in self-destructive behaviors, including attempts at self-inflicted, life-threatening injury. This choice is the most relevant and urgent, as it directly addresses the potential harm the client may cause to themselves due to their impaired coping skills.

Choice B rationale:

Although feelings of aloneness can contribute to psychological distress and could potentially be relevant to the client's situation, choice B does not directly address the immediate risk of self-inflicted injury associated with impaired coping and suicidal ideation. The focus in this case should be on the client's safety and preventing self-harm.

Choice C rationale:

This choice accurately describes one aspect of impaired coping but does not specifically address the increased risk of self-inflicted harm or the severity of the situation presented in the question. While impaired coping does involve the inability to use appropriate skills to manage stressors, the urgency of addressing the immediate risk of self-inflicted injury takes precedence in this scenario.

Choice D rationale:

Negative self-evaluation may contribute to impaired coping, but the question specifically relates to the client's risk for self-inflicted, life-threatening injury. While negative self-evaluation could be part of the client's overall presentation, it's not the most direct or urgent concern in this situation.

A. Isolating the client from friends and family to prevent further emotional distress. B. Encouraging the client to keep their feelings and experiences private. C. Collaborating with the client to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan. D. Discharging the client home as soon as possible to resume their daily routine.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice C rationale:

Collaborating with the client to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan is a priority nursing goal for a client who has recently attempted suicide and is now stabilized. Aftercare planning involves creating a structured plan that addresses the client's ongoing psychological, emotional, and social needs. This includes arranging follow-up therapy sessions, connecting with appropriate community resources, and involving the client in decisions regarding their care. Developing an aftercare plan aims to prevent further episodes of suicidal ideation and support the client's overall well-being. Isolating the client from friends and family, as mentioned in choice A, would be counterproductive. Isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, potentially increasing the risk of further emotional distress. Encouraging the client to keep their feelings and experiences private, as suggested in choice B, is not in line with therapeutic practice. Open communication and sharing emotions with appropriate support systems are crucial for the client's healing process. Discharging the client home as soon as possible, as mentioned in choice D, without addressing the underlying issues and providing a comprehensive aftercare plan, could lead to a recurrence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It is essential to ensure the client's safety and well-being before considering discharge.

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A client who recently lost their spouse to a terminal illness expresses, "I just can't go on without them. Life feels meaningless now." Which statement by the nurse would be appropriate in this situation?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is diagnosed with "Impaired coping." Which statement accurately describes this nursing diagnosis for a patient with suicidal ideation?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who recently attempted suicide and is now stabilized. What is a priority nursing goal for this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is providing care to a client who is displaying warning signs of suicidal ideation. Which interventions should the nurse prioritize to ensure the client's safety? (Select all that apply.).

A client who recently lost their spouse to a terminal illness expresses, "I just can't go on without them. Life feels meaningless now." Which statement by the nurse would be appropriate in this situation?

A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of the plan of care for a patient with suicidal ideation. What action should the nurse take during the evaluation phase?

A nurse is working with a client who has suicidal ideation. Which intervention should the nurse implement to promote hope in the client?

A nurse is assessing a client for potential suicidal ideation. The client says, "I've been thinking a lot about death lately. I wonder what it's like to not exist anymore." What would be an appropriate response by the nurse?

A nurse is providing care to a client with suicidal ideation. Select all the interventions that the nurse should include in the implementation phase of the client's care.

A nurse is assessing a patient's suicide risk using standardized tools. Which statement is accurate regarding the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)?

(Select All That Apply): A client has expressed thoughts of suicide during a therapy session. Which therapeutic interventions should the nurse incorporate into the client's care plan? (Select three.).